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Blog Tour & Interview with J.K. Hogan and Review of Blood in the Valley
Today we have the lovely and very talented J.K. Hogan, author of the Vigilati Series with us! She is celebrating the release of the second installment of the Vigilati Series: Blood in the Valley:
The daughter of a Las Vegas hustler, Raven Sabatier grew up trusting nothing and no one—she doesn’t even trust herself to stay in one place for longer than a minute. When her quest to find out the secrets of her past leads her to the mountains of North Carolina, she’s set on a collision course with the one man she thought she’d never see again.
In Appalachia consulting on an archeological dig, Anthropologist Dr. Drew Deveraux comes face to face with the indomitable beauty who broke into his apartment a year ago, tilting his carefully cultivated world on its axis.
Engaged in a fight with their demons, both imagined and real, the last thing either of them expected to find was love. Together, they must unravel the mystery of Raven’s past and her connection with an ancient race of witches, in order to save their future—and all of the souls hanging in the balance.
I was fortunate enough to be able to interview J.K. and am sharing with you!!!
- What song makes you happy every time you hear it?
Wow, that’s so hard because I am such a music collector. The first one that comes to mind right now is Gold on the Ceiling by The Black Keys (and I also have a cover by Tab Benoit). Ask me again tomorrow and I may have a different answer.
- What movie can you see over and over again without getting sick of it?
Another tough one, because I’m not one to watch movies over and over again. I’d probably have to stick with a classic and say The Princess Bride. Or anything with Robert Downey Jr. in it.
- What is the worst fashion trend you ever bought into?
Poofy bangs. Platform shoes. Satin. Patent leather. You name the badness, I tried it.
- Did you dream of writing when you were a little or did you dream of other thing like being a ballerina (or Wonder Woman, like me)?
When I was a kid, I don’t think I thought too much about the future. I spent most of my time in my imaginary worlds, so I guess it wasn’t too much of a stretch that I became a novelist. The only other thing I can think of was that I wanted to be a cowgirl. I did that for a while before I got married. 
- Do you have any comfort reads?
I’m such a speed reader, I don’t know if I could put it down to particular books. Anything romance, really. Reading in general comforts me. I remember reading Wake Me Up Inside, an m/m paranormal by Cardeno C. while I had really bad morning sickness. That was kind of comforting. J
- What is your writing process?
It starts with an idea, or a character, and then I just sit down and write chronologically. I stop when the story goes cold so it doesn’t feel forced, and once it picks up again in my head, I get back to writing. I write straight through usually, and then I go back to fine tune.
- Revisions: love them or hate them?
Hate, hate, hate. I understand the need for them, and that they make the book better, but they’re so hard. It’s like someone criticizing your children (either yourself or someone else). It can be hard to take.
- Who/what inspires you?
Anyone who’s been able to make a career and support themselves by writing. Oh, an anyone who’s successfully raised a child. Now that I’m a mom, I’m realizing what a difficult and important task that is.
- How much of your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
Not nearly as much as I’d like. That number is ever-changing with the whims of my infant son. I get “mommy time” at night between the time I go to bed and when I actually fall asleep, so that gives me an hour or two.
- Kids in books: yes or no?
Hmm. Good question. Yes, as long as they work in the story and aren’t too much of a distraction from the plot. However, I’m definitely not into the whole heroine gets pregnant angle. It only really works for me in historicals, and I don’t read those much anymore.
- Pets in books: cheesy or sweet?
Pets make everything better! I think they make the characters more real. But again, it has to work with the story rather than distract from it.
- What’s your favorite thing to eat? (recipes welcome!)
Sushi. I love sushi.
- What is the scariest thing about being an author?
The first thing that comes to mind is the inevitable bad review. It has or will happen to everyone. So I guess, critique in general…worrying that your book will flop. I think any creative avenue comes with the same fear.
- What is the most exciting thing about being an author?
Creating something from nothing and having it entertain people. It’s amazing—there’s nothing like it.
- Do you have anything to share with us?
I absolutely love chatting with people about books (mine, or anyone else’s), hot guys, movies, music, whatever. So find me on twitter, FB, tumblr…pretty much all social media. I’m pretty active in social media, so I’ll most likely respond.
THIS OR THAT
- Peanut butter or jelly?
Peanut butter
- Chips or cookies?
Cookies. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth?
- Best talent: dancing or singing?
Singing. I definitely can’t dance.
- Print or eBook?
I’m an ebook convert. I thought I’d never switch, but the fact that I can carry SO many books with me and never worry about finishing a book and not having another with me…that totally convinced me.
- Pen or pencil?
In general, pen. For writing, laptop.
- Best friends: as many as possible or only need one?
That’s tough for me. I have rather antisocial tendencies, and I don’t really have a best friend…But I think you can never have too many friends as long as you can count on them.
- Notebook or computer?
Computer or iphone.
- Print or cursive?
Cursive. Not that you’d be able to read it, of course.
- Zombies or vampires?
Hmm… For sexy? Vampires. For action, zombies. Love The Walking Dead.
- Angel or Spike?
Well, I was never into Buffy, but I was into Bones, so I have to go with Angel because of David Boreanaz hotness.
**Note from MamaJo – Isn’t she AMAZING? Not only has she given me a new book boyfriend, but she is a woman after my own heart! Do you want to learn even more about her, do you want to know why I have a new book boyfriend? KEEP READING :
J.K. Hogan has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, beginning with writing cast lists and storylines for her toys growing up. When she finally decided to put pen to paper, magic happened. She is greatly inspired by all kinds of music and often creates a “soundtrack” for her stories as she writes them.
J.K. resides in North Carolina, where she was born and raised. A true southern girl at heart, she lives on a farm with her husband and their three horses, one miniature donkey, one cat, and two champion agility dogs.
In addition to writing, she enjoys training and competing in dog sports, spending time with her large southern family, camping, boating and, of course, reading! For more information, please visit www.jkhogan.com.
Where to find J.K Hogan on the web:
Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook / Amazon / Pinterest / Tumblr / Linkedin / Google Plus
Where to buy the books you
wantneed to read now:Fire on the Island (Book 1) :
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Island-J-K-Hogan/dp/1938404173
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RO8BZM
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-on-the-island-jk-hogan/1112102519
MamaJo’s Review: http://mamakittyreviews.com/?p=518
Blood in the Valley (Book 2):
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Valley-J-K-Hogan/dp/1938404475/
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Valley-Vigilati-Series-ebook/dp/B00CLENQO0/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-in-the-valley-jk-hogan/1115206625?ean=9781938404474
My Review of Blood in the Valley:
What I liked loved:
The expansion of the wonderful world J.K Hogan has created, the characters, the action, and the romance .
I have adopted Drew as one of my book boyfriends, he is caring, sweet, vulnerable, damaged, HOT, and most of all: he handled the changes to the world around him (and happening in his life) the way my dream man would.
I have also decided that in my next life, I want to be Raven, she has her own moral code – that you after her upbringing only adds to her charm, she kicks major butt, and she has an amazing capacity for love (even if she won’t admit it to herself!).
We also get to peek in on Isla and Jere, Jere’s mysterious brother, and even his mom (who helped to raise Drew)! (I also really liked Ray)
The romance was wonderful, showing that two flawed, yet strong characters can overcome their fears and strengthen their weaknesses together.
This series features truly strong women who don’t sit back and wait for their men to fix things for them – for me, this is imperative in a Paranormal Romance series that has a female protagonist . You won’t find whiny chits who either want someone to fight their battles or who want to know “why me” with the Vigilati Series. These heroines roll with the punches, get back up, acknowledge their weaknesses, kick some major butt , and love their men.
It is no secret that I love PNR, that being said – I have standards and I tend to set the bar rather high. Blood in the Valley not only reached the bar, but bounded right over it! Nothing is better as a reader of PNR than when the author expands the boundaries and rules of that world and makes it believable. And I have to say that by bringing us into her world as the characters learn the rules, Ms Hogan has made every single broken rule and shattered boundary flow naturally with the story.
*FTC Disclosure – I received an ARC of this book for review.
A Full 5 Meows
Review: Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston
There’s nothing like a good-ol’-boy wolf. And ace security expert Ricky Lee Reed serves, protects and seduces with all the right moves…
Sure, Toni Jean-Louis Parker has to be the responsible oldest sister to a crazy-brilliant clan of jackal siblings. But now she’s cutting loose for some hot, sweaty, no-commitments fun—and the sexy, slow-talking, swift-moving predator assigned to keep her family safe is just the right thing to shapeshift her love life into overdrive. Trouble is, he’s starting to get all obsessive wolf on her every time he looks in her direction…
Getting serious about anyone isn’t in Ricky Lee Reed’s plans. Hell, even now he doesn’t really have a plan—outside of catching whomever is threatening this dangerously brilliant family. But the more he sees of Toni, the more he’s howling for her. And whatever it takes to convince her that what they have is everything, well, this wily wolf is down for the sizzling chase…
- File Size: 558 KB
- Print Length: 400 pages
- Publisher: Kensington Books (March 26, 2013)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00ADQHGD0
- FTC Disclosure: My copy provided through Kensington Books via Netgalley for the purpose of an honest review.
All right kids I’m not going to lie, I LOVE THIS SERIES! If you haven’t read The Pride Series: you should hit the nearest book store/library/e-book store and start with The Mane Event! *Note there is also mention of The Magnus Pack and having read them makes that even better when you hit that point in the story.*
Toni is the oldest of 11 kids, that’s right, she has 10 younger siblings! These siblings have been for the most part her whole life. Oh, did I fail to mention that they are all child prodigies? Well, they are, every last one of them and Toni manages their schedules and them. Her mother is a famous violinist, her father is the perfect mate and follows her mother everywhere. Now that the family had invaded Manhattan, Toni finds a job outside her immediate family and the chaos and meddling ensues!
Ricky Lee Reed is a patient, laid back wolf. Coming from the Reed/Smith pack he has to be, but something about Toni fires up his protective instincts. The fact that his pregnant sister and cousin are “hounding” him because his ex is in town gives him just the excuse he needs to ensure he is on the protection detail of the cute little jackal he has been sniffing around – Toni!
Toni and Ricky’s relationship was very sweet, and I really loved how patient he was with EVERYTHING. (I want to go to Siberia with him myself.) I did feel that not enough emphasis was put on Toni coming to terms with being something other than her siblings’ keeper. I felt that she really blossomed in that regard, but she herself never addressed it.
Getting to visit with past and new characters was so much fun. Toni’s younger siblings added humor, mayhem, and just the right amount of cute.
If you’re a fan of humor, with side plots, an ever expanding world, and all around GREAT characters, this book series is for you!
Review: A Christmas Accident
Expecting her first child, Sherri Wilder Davison wants nothing more than to spend time with her father over the holidays, but fate has a way of changing her best-laid plans.
Adam Davison is willing to do anything to make his pregnant wife happy. He will face hell to have her home for the holidays.
For Sherri and Adam, the holidays are a time of celebration and love, but this Christmas will be unlike any they have ever faced.
When a horrible blizzard causes an automobile accident that puts the lives of those Sherri loves on the line, can a Christmas miracle save them?
- File Size: 199 KB
- Print Length: 43 pages
- Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing (December 14, 2012)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00AODXZ78
- FTC Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.
Melissa Keir gives us a touching and emotional story with A Christmas Accident. I was very impressed with the depth of emotion portrayed in this novella (just 43 pages). Through Sherri’s thoughts you can really see the love that she and Adam have for each other and their “little peanut”. Sherri’s belief in Adam and the love they share is inspiring and keeps you hoping for a miracle right along with her. I would have liked to see a little more of Sherri’s family, but I completely understand there is only so much you can do in 43 pages and still pull the depth of the main characters off as well as Ms Keir did here. While the story centers around Christmas, I recommend this read anytime of the year. Overall, very well done!
3.5 Meows
Review: Halo of the Damned by Dina Rae
A chain of advertising agencies, a new breed of humans, and a fallen angel to worship…
Andel Talistokov is known for his slick advertising agencies across the globe. He is a fallen angel that uses advertising as a weapon for Satan’s work. His growing power emboldens him to break several of Hell’s Commandments. Furious with his arrogance, Satan commands him to return to Hell after finding his own replacement. Yezidism, an ancient angel worshiping religion, quietly expands throughout the West. Armaros appears as a guest of honor during their ceremonies. He mates with young women to produce nephilim, a mixed race of humans and angels. They are alone and unprepared for their supernatural power. Joanna Easterhouse, a recovering drug addict, steps out of prison shortly after her mother’s fatal accident. She and her sister, Kim, unravel their mother’s secretive past. Intrigued, they learn their bloodline is part of a celestial legacy. Both worlds collide. Halo of the Damned is a horrifying tale that weaves research together with suspenseful twists and turns.
- Publisher: Eternal Press (a division of Damnation Books LLC) (February 4, 2012)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B0075XQYDM
- FTC Disclosure: Received my copy via publisher for an honest review
- *This book not for the faint of heart, if you have an aversion to blood and gore, rape, incest, or anything cult related; then this book is not for you.
Let’s jump right in with my likes and dislikes.
Likes: The characters, they are all flawed – extremely flawed. Some are redeemable; others make your skin crawl. I know this was the intent, and it takes true talent to portray that in the manner it is done here. I normally don’t add or mention songs in my reviews, but after the first chapter, every time Andel came onto the page I heard the song Scavengers of the Damned by Aiden in my head. I loved that Joanna wasn’t magically cured of her addictive behavior and that she recognized her flaws for what they were. Even the baddies made you want to know what they were doing, thinking, and feeling. Tony – just TONY!!! The creeps – if you are reading a horror novel and you don’t get that cold chills, hair on the back of your neck standing, pit of your stomach dropping feeling, the author just isn’t doing a good job. From page one, Ms Rae brings it and then keeps it coming!
Dislikes: It felt a bit rushed. Maybe the editor cut some of the narrative, but being a longtime fan of this genre, I felt this story deserved another hundred pages, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just my opinion. A few spelling errors and one very noticeable repeat sentence was present, but more than forgivable. Maybe these aren’t so much dislikes, but small complaints.
Overall, I recommend this book to horror fans, conspiracy theorists, and book lovers with a 4 full meows! I started out my love of reading with horror novels and have since traveled far and wide, let me tell you – I am oh so happy to be home with Halo of the Damned!
Link to song mentioned above: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAersib_JHM, when you read the book hit me up with your recommended theme song for one of the characters!
Review: Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
Genevieve McInnis is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.
Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.
Product Details
- File Size: 1342 KB
- Print Length: 370 pages
- Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0345533240
- Publisher: Ballantine Books (March 19, 2013)
- Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00957T5YQ
- Text-to-Speech: Enabled
- X-Ray: Enabled
- Lending: Not Enabled
**My copy provided by publisher through Netgalley for review
First of all, this is the second book in the series The Montgomerys and Armstrongs. While not necessary, I recommend reading Never Seduce a Scot before starting this one. Mainly because it’s a Great book and because the back story will help you to better understand our hero Bowen and our heroine Genevieve.
Secondly a small warning, this series is not at all light-hearted romance. This didn’t bother me , but some of you may not appreciate the severity of some of the themes and actions taken by the villains. *Spoiler (Our heroine has been raped and is ostracized by those around her.)*
The good: There is so much emotion and strength of character in both Bowen and Genevieve. Maya Banks has an extraordinary talent for bringing emotion off the page and making the reader empathize with her characters. Genevieve is scarred physically and she is treated horribly by those around her, yet still manages to forgive and love. Bowen is so very honorable and becomes torn to the point that I just wanted to hold him and tell him everything would be all right. It took so much for these two to really come together and get their HEA that at one point I wasn’t sure they would. The supporting characters were fabulous, the good and the bad. If you read the first book, you already know the Montgomerys and Armstrongs, if not – don’t worry, you’ll love them. We get to see so more of the McHugh clan, as well as meet the McInnis clan.
Remember, attitudes of the time and behaviors were very different than they are now. I feel that while Ms Banks’s inclusion of these themes make this series darker than some may want, she handles them very well and gives the reader a truly believable romance. Plus, who doesn’t love a heroine who stands strong in the face of adversity and a noble hero with a heart of gold?
The bad: That I have to wait for the next book: Highland Ever After
Favorite Quote: “There were worse things than death, as she’d discovered. Sometimes living took far more courage. Facing another day. Enduring. Those things took strength. Far more than dying.”
4.5 Meows
Review: Stuck on You by Heather Thurmeier
If being forced to team up with reality TV’s favorite bad girl wasn’t enough, falling for her brother might just make this reality show a real nightmare.
Paige Anderson agrees to be on a new reality show called Treasure Trekkers, a show where contestants use handheld GPS units to find hidden caches filled with prizes, with her good friend Cassidy. But when Cassidy is unable to compete, Chip Cormack, the show’s producer, steps in with a last-minute replacement to be Paige’s partner – Zoe Oliver, reality TV’s favorite bad girl.
Jack Miles (aka Miles) is a mountain climber with the body to prove it. Miles convinced his climbing partner Ben to come on the show with him for one reason – to prove to Ben that they can still hike together, regardless of the fact that Ben lost his foot in a tragic accident. Miles isn’t about to let anything get in his way of winning – not even beautiful Paige.
But when Miles and Paige are thrown into an alliance with their teammates, working closely together leads to more than just good strategy. Can Paige steal Miles’ heart while surviving Zoe long enough to win the game?
Sensuality Level: Sensual
Product Details
- File Size: 369 KB
- Print Length: 212 pages
- Publisher: Crimson Romance (February 11, 2013)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00B03EHTG
- Text-to-Speech: Enabled
- X-Ray: Not Enabled
- Lending: Enabled
**My copy provided by author for review
To be honest with you, after reading Falling for You, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book and I wasn’t disappointed.
I can’t tell you how happy I was to have loveable Paige in the spotlight in this one. She is out to redeem herself after her less than stellar appearance on The One and to spend some quality time with her new best friend Cassidy. This go around her and Cassidy will be paired up on the new show Treasure Trekkers (The Amazing Race meets Geo caching). Paige discovers shortly after arriving that not only will Cassidy not be competing, but that the producers have already filled Cassidy’s spot with none other than Zoe Oliver. Zoe was really quite cruel and shallow in the last book, so I was very anxious to see how this would play out.
Paige soon meets up with Jack Miles (Miles) from an opposing team and they have instant chemistry. Miles has his own reasons for being leery of Zoe.
The hilarity ensues as the teams compete to find the prizes and Paige tries to find her inner Diva. I truly enjoyed watching Paige gain confidence and seeing her break down the barriers of Zoe’s icy exterior. For me, this book was about overcoming for Miles *swoon*, Ben (Miles’ best friend), Paige, and Zoe.
The only thing that really aggravated me was Paige and Zoe’s insistence on wearing stiletto heels for tasks like climbing and hiking. I understand the image they were trying to set, but it seemed unrealistic for them to have been taken seriously.
Overall, Heather Thurmeier gives us a funny, sweet, and insightful romance and I will definitely be reading Zoe’s story in the next book.
4 Meows
Review: Just for the Summer by Jenna Rutland
Dani Sullivan has come to Lake Bliss to write her latest cookbook and take a breather. After the year she’s had, she deserves a summer retreat to reevaluate priorities and make peace with past decisions. But from the moment single dad and sheriff Matt Reagan shows up, she has a hard time convincing herself that a life away from Lake Bliss could beat the life she might have here.
Recently divorced Matt is ready for a new relationship, but he doesn’t want short-term—his son needs permanence, and so does Matt’s heart. Unfortunately, it’s the smart-mouthed and sinfully sexy Ms. Sullivan who catches his eye. But when Matt learns Dani’s secrets, will he still want her to stay? Or will her chance for love last just for the summer?
- Publisher: Entangled: Bliss (March 11, 2013)
- Sold by: Macmillan
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00BQMMT2I
- FTC Disclosure: Received my copy via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review
For some reason it’s always difficult for me to start reading a book by an author I’ve never read before. I have a bad habit of finding one author and if I like them I read everything I can by them. Sometimes that takes forever, especially when I was on my Nora Roberts kick. 
I’m trying to break that habit and venture out a little more. I ran across Just for the Summer on Net Galley and decided to give it a try. I’m so very glad I did. Now Jenna Rutland is on my list of authors I must follow and read everything I can by her.
So, Dani goes to Lake Bliss for the summer to get away for a while, write a cookbook, and check in on her biological son. She was raped when she was 18, ended up pregnant and gave the baby up for adoption so that he would have a life she wasn’t capable of giving him at the time. As she’s searching the beach for any child who might hold some resemblance to her, she spots him just as he gets sand in his eyes. Without thinking she rushes out to help. “Despite the battle between joy and sadness she felt in this moment, she cursed her impulsive need to come so close. She’d promised herself that she’d keep her distance, and she’d agreed to a closed adoption with no contact before he turned eighteen. She had no ill intentions. Her only goal was to see her son, to know he was happy, to be assured he was healthy. Didn’t she deserve to at least know how the baby had fared?”
Matt is the town Sheriff, recently divorced and definitely not on the lookout for a summer fling. But when he meets Dani and sees how great she is with his son, not to mention the chemistry he has with her…he might just think about changing his mind.
Dani doesn’t tell anyone who she really is or why she’s really there until things get serious between her and Matt. Will Matt be able to forgive her for lying and for forcing her way into his son’s life?
Jenna did an amazing job writing this book. The dialogue and constant flirting between Dani and Matt had me cracking up. The emotional turmoil when Dani has to leave Lake Bliss had me in tears. The friendships felt real, the story felt real. Hands down the best book I’ve read in a while!
Rating: 5 out of 5 meows
ARC Review: Fever by Maya Banks
Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise…
Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.
When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.
Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.
- Publisher: Berkley Trade (April 2, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0425267067
- ISBN-13: 978-0425267066
- FTC Disclosure: ARC copy given to me by publisher for review
Bethany has been homeless since she was nineteen and in foster care before that, she has seen her fair share of life on the streets. She was once addicted to drugs then turned to sex as a means to cope with coming off the drugs. Though she’s working hard to keep her life straight, having a threesome with Jace and Ash, knowing she’d get dinner and a place to sleep for the night, didn’t seem like a bad idea. When Jace finds her in a homeless shelter weeks after their encounter she’s surprised to realize he’d actually come looking for her. They live in two separate worlds…her with virtually nothing but the clothes she has on her back and him with the world at his fingertips and more money than God. Why would he want her? That’s the dilemma Bethany deals with though out the story…she’s not good enough for him.
Jace, used to sharing everything with Ash, including his women, is surprised to realize he wants Bethany all to himself. As soon as he lays eyes on her something within him wants to make her his and take care of her. Once he finds out she’s homeless he will do anything to find her and protect her. After their threesome with Bethany, Jace regrets ever going through with it and can’t get the image of Ash and Bethany out of his head. This is something that he must work out if he wants to have Bethany and Ash in his life.
Jack is the person who grew up in foster care with Bethany then took to the streets with her. He is the only person who has stuck by Bethany’s side. While she thinks of him as her “brother”, he holds stronger feelings for her. He’s in and out of the story but always present in her mind, as she worries about him constantly. To ease Bethany’s worry, Jace gives Jack permission to stay in his sisters’ old apartment until he can get back on his feet. Jace truly tries to help Jack as much as possible. Even at the end when something Jack does unintentionally lands Bethany in the hospital on her deathbed, Jace is still willing to get Jack the help he needs. I hope we find out in Burn if he gets his act together.
While I did enjoy this book and I don’t want to be too negative, I want to point out a few things that made this book not my favorite:
- I didn’t bond with the characters right away. Really understanding the characters helps me lose myself in their story. For some reason I wasn’t able to get into Bethany.
- Jace wants a submissive woman but he’s afraid to push Bethany to far so he takes it easy on her until she gets used to the idea. This would be fine except he never really gets to the point where he displays his dominance. There are more scenes where Bethany takes over and ask for what she wants instead of him being the dominant one.
-I feel (maybe) this book was written in a hurry? The story line is great, but I felt there was an opportunity for so much more to have happened.
I love Maya Banks, and while this book wasn’t my favorite of hers I’m still very much looking forward to reading Ash’s story in the third book, Burn.
I’m giving this book a 4. While I enjoyed the story, I had a few issues and it wasn’t one that I couldn’t put down.
Review Trouble with a Cowboy by Sandy Sullivan
18 wheels had her heart until one hard-up cowboy found her kickin’ up her heels and propositions her to take his bull to Vegas.
Jacie Hawkins drives big wheelers for a livin’. Something not a lot of women do. Littleton Oklahoma is just a dry stopover for a few hours of rest and relaxation at the nearest bar. Jacie needs to find a hot cowboy to release some of her pent up frustrations on for the night, but wannabe’s aren’t her style.
Tucker Marshall needs a big-rig driver to haul his prize bull to National Finals Rodeo and he needs one fast. Who would have thought he’d find one shootin’ pool at the local bar dressed to kill and takin’ numbers?
Can some slashed tires and an ornery bull bring two hard-headed people together for some fun in the sun and a little more?
- Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing (February 13, 2013)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00BL9QCU6
- FTC Disclosure: copy provided by the author for the purposes of an honest review
When Jacie Hawkins walks into a bar in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma the only thing she is thinking of is getting good cowboy under her and getting back on the road. Jacie doesn’t like games, and she hates pretenders, so when one man who is clearly not a cowboy hits on her she sets him straight, but out of the corner of her eye she sees one very fine cowboy.
Tucker Marshall is in desperate need to get his bull to the rodeo in Vegas, but a one night distraction with the prettiest girl he’s laid on eyes on catches his attention and with her no-bullshit attitude he decides he might have found a good way to pass the time while waiting for a new driver to get there.
Finding out Jacie is a truck driver with her own Eighteen Wheeler is an awesome stroke of luck, but talking her into helping him is another matter altogether. Agree she does, but the cowboy from last night is not done causing trouble for them. When forced into a bull riding challenge Tucker is all ready to rock out, but Jacie is a little more hesitant.
“Worried?”
“Yeah. Who the hell would pay for my tires if you got killed?”
Here is where I laughed, because this is where the mess is going to be hitting the fan. Tucker is wary of women wanting him for his money, but Jacie really sort of doesn’t need his money – he just doesn’t know that, and she’s not about to tell him. They have amazing chemistry though, and I found myself in love with the imagery of this scene:
She wrapped her hand in the hair at the nape of his neck, knocking his hat to the floor, forgotten in the heat of their passion.
But Jacie throws the brakes on their passion and insists that will be a business only deal. Yeah – OOOOKKKKAAAYYY. Just a side note – there is no way I could keep my mind on business if at the first nights stop he says something like this:
“Okay.” He turned to go back into the bedroom, but stopped to glance her way. “A little warning in case you sleepwalk or something. I sleep naked.”
The lump in her throat threatened to choke her as he winked and shut the door between them.
“Great. Just fucking great. Sleeps naked. Of course, he does,”
Hahahaha – Yeah. I have to say Jacie is great at saying no but saying yes and she can’t tell him no for long. Soon they agree this will only be a two week deal. That’s it. Two weeks.
For crying out loud, I’ve only known him a few days. I can’t possibly be falling in love with him. It’s just lust. Yeah, intense, overwhelming, lust.
*Eyebrow raised* Lust. Yeah. Just lust. Later a quick solution response turns into something that both of them are just a little too comfortable saying and the end of their time is near. Will they stay together after these two weeks? Well you have to give it a shot.
As the daughter of a trucker, when the CB crackled on I laughed, because I have always said that CB’s were the first chat rooms ever invented. FYI I think twitter is the new chat room. Just saying. This was a nice sweet and easy read and although it didn’t rip my heart out or make me cry, it was just the perfect thing to read over the weekend.
Review: Rush by Maya Banks
Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking…
When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.
Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.
As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.
- Paperback: 416 pages
- Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (February 5, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0425267040
- ISBN-13: 978-0425267042
- FTC Disclosure: Purchased by me
When I first started reading Rush I was a little disappointed at how much like Fifty Shades of Gray it seemed to be….average girl, millionaire guy who wants her as a submissive, him getting upset with her for going out partying and not calling him to come get her and constantly telling her to eat up. However, I found this book a hundred times better; better writing, more believable, hotter sex!
What intrigued me about this book was Mia’s prior relationship with Gabe. He’s her brothers’ best friend and should be off limits. They both want each other secretly but if they act on it how will Jace (Mia’s brother) act? After all, Gabe wants complete submission from Mia and Jace knows exactly how demanding Gabe can be with his women.
Ok, contract? I can never say never, but I feel that if I was ever asked to sign a contract it would be a deal breaker. However, Mia knows that Gabe would never do anything to hurt her. After he explains his reason for having a contract, I get it. I still don’t think it would ever fly for me…but I get it. And I like that there’s no safe word, “no” should ALWAYS work.
I absolutely LOVE the characters in this book. Maya did an excellent job with these two. I felt connected to them both within minutes. I love the way they bicker exactly like two people who have known each other for ever. Despite the awkwardness in the beginning of this kind of relationship, I truly felt that these were two people who were completely comfortable with each other. Their dialogue made me laugh out loud at times. (I love that in a book)
The SEX was HOT, especially in the office…Wow!
I’m giving Rush a 5 because even though it did have some similarities to Fifty Shades of Gray, it blew that out of the water!
Kudos to Maya Banks…looking forward to Fever!
